Mission Statement:
To provide a licensed, high-quality, educational, and affordable child care program. Our goal is to offer children (from birth to 12 years) a safe, nurturing, and secure environment where each child can develop to their full potential.
We serve families from all income levels, races, national origins, genders, religions, ages, disabilities, political beliefs, sexual orientations, marital, or family statuses.
About Our Program
Atchison Child Care Association operates a licensed, comprehensive Child Care Program from Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. We cater to 179 children (aged 2 weeks to 12 years) under the requirements of the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Our program is designed to foster physical growth, emotional maturation, mental development, and social skills. We focus on each child’s individual needs and interests.
Educational Approach
Our educational program is based on principles of child development and growth, emphasizing flexibility and a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to promote optimum development.
We are committed to providing:
- Dramatic/Imaginative Play: Dollhouses, blocks, trucks, dress-up clothes, sand and water table (Social Emotional Development)
- Artistic Stimulation/Creative Play: Paints, crayons, scissors, paste, play dough (Creative Arts and Science)
- Small Muscle Coordination: Peg boards, puzzles, parquet blocks (Math Skills)
- Large Muscle Coordination: Climbing equipment, swings, tricycles, wagons (Physical Development)
- Cognitive/Intellectual Development: Books, music, nature study, science materials (Approaches to Learning)
- Language Development: Individual and small group activities, field trips (Communication and Literacy)
Philosophy
We believe in creating an environment that nurtures the developmental, social/emotional, and physical health of every child. Discipline is guided by the principles of Conscious Discipline by Dr. Becky Bailey.
Through daily interactions, our teachers and assistants understand the unique needs of each child. They are trained to detect developmental concerns and work closely with parents to address any issues, ensuring a warm and loving atmosphere for all children.
Community and Support
Atchison Child Care is a United Way Agency and an Atchison Area Community Partner. We receive grants from various trusts and foundations, including:
- Evah Cray Trust
- Courtney Turner Trust
- Adair Foundation
- Cloud L. Cray & Sarah J. Cray Family Foundation
- Ladd M. Seaberg & Karen L. Seaberg Family Foundation
- Bank of Atchison
- Other clubs and organizations
These grants enable us to provide high-quality child care to the community.
Food Program
Our center participates in the Child and Adult Food Program administered by the State Department of Education School Lunch section. This ensures that meals are available to all children in attendance, regardless of race, color, national origin, or ability to pay.
Summer Program
During the summer, we offer a recreational program that includes swimming, field trips, walks, visits to parks, picnics, arts and crafts, and weekly trips to the public library and nursing homes.
We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment for your children and look forward to working with your family.